黑料网鈥檚 Summit Professor of Learning Technologies Richard Ferdig has spent a lot of his time at 黑料网 using technology to improve teaching and learning environments. Ferdig鈥檚 contributions to technological advancement are the reason he was named one of the recipients of the 2016 Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award.
The Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award honors 黑料网鈥檚 exceptional researchers and scholars. The University Research Council and the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs selected Ferdig along with two other recipients based on their quality of research and the impact it has had on society.
Ferdig, who received his Ph.D. in educational psychology with a focus on technology and cognition, says his research focuses on combining cutting-edge technologies with pedagogic theory to create innovative learning environments.
鈥淵ears ago, the big thing was getting one computer in the classroom, and now, look how far we鈥檝e come,鈥 Ferdig says. 鈥淭his all comes from a constant process of studying how we teach and learn with technology.鈥
Ferdig says this award is recognition of 20 years of research.
鈥淩esearch is a team effort,鈥 Ferdig says. 鈥淭his was not an individual award. Many people have contributed to this research over the past 20 years. I was blessed to be a part of it.鈥
Ferdig says his research interests include online education, educational games and simulations, the role of faith in technology and finding a deeper psychology of technology. One of his projects that has received a lot of recognition is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park application for smartphones.
The app received funding from the National Science Foundation. Ferdig explains that people touring the park can learn science by using the app.
鈥淲e have one of the greatest parks in the country right in 黑料网鈥檚 backyard,鈥 Ferdig says. 鈥淢y hope for this application is that people will learn science and see how it plays a part in their everyday lives. In doing so, I hope they get a better understanding of what they see, whether it鈥檚 related to climate, littering or habitat growth.鈥
Other projects that have evolved from Ferdig鈥檚 research in technology are virtual reality experiences that teach kids about melanoma, obesity and asthma. Also, Ferdig is working on creating and studying apps that help kids with learning and behavioral needs.
鈥淭he special education apps are more about helping parents, teachers, administrators and students individualize and differentiate instruction based on their learning needs,鈥 Ferdig says.
Ferdig says all these projects have been a unique opportunity for him to be able to learn more about technology and how to teach it.
鈥淭his award recognizes the amazing things happening at 黑料网 with research,鈥 Ferdig says. 鈥淚 hope this award results in more recognition of research going on behind the scenes at Kent that many people may not know about. 黑料网 is very supportive of any faculty, staff or students pursuing research projects.鈥
To find out more about the 2016 Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award recipients, visit www.kent.edu/einside/news/kent-state-honors-2016-outstanding-research-and-scholarship-award-recipients.